Severe storms cause major damage to homes, schools and trees in central Illinois; thousands without power – IPM Newsroom

Updated Friday, June 12, 2026 at 12:00 a.m.

Heavy storms caused major damage to at least two school buildings in Vermilion County last night.

Joel Bird is the Director of the Vermilion County Emergency Management Agency. He said the damage is widespread.

“Danville has several homes with trees that have fallen near the garage or the home,” said Bird.

Mark Denman Elementary School in Danville lost its roof and that wasn’t all.

“Up in Hoopeston, there’s several spots where a tornado went through on the South side… some damage at the high school, east of town at the local bridge,” said Bird.

The Nutrien Plant also took a direct hit. Bird said as of late Thursday night, there are no reports of injuries or deaths.

The sounds of chainsaws will fill the air in many Champaign County communities on Friday.

Kandy Powell was at home around 7:30 Thursday night when a storm blew through east Urbana.

“But then the winds got really strong. And as you looked out the window you can see that the trees were kind of bowing down a little bit. And from there we heard a very large snap,” said Powell.

The large branch of one tree fell onto her driveway just missing the house. A branch from another tall, mature tree fell, blocking her street. Powell did not lose power, but thousands of people in Champaign-Urbana had a long wait to get the lights back on overnight.

Updated Thursday, June 11, 2026 at 8:30 p.m.

There are multiple reports of damage after severe storms passed through Champaign and Vermilion Counties on Thursday night. The National Weather Service issued Tornado Warning for Champaign County at 7:28 p.m. 

As of 8:42 p.m., Ameren reports more than 78,000 customers have lost power. Thousands of homes and businesses in the Springfield, Champaign-Urbana and Danville areas do not have electricity. To report a downed power line, call 800.755.5000.

Below are some pictures of storm damage. This story will be updated through the evening.

Large tree branch lying across driveway in Urbana after storms on June 11, 2026.